Celtics’ Bradley Does Not Expect To Play In Game 6

Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics comforts teammate Avery Bradley #0 as he winces in pain during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

BOSTON (CBS) – If the Boston Celtics want to eliminate the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night, it looks like they’ll have to do it without guard Avery Bradley.

Bradley made the trip to Philadelphia with the team, but said he does not expect to play for the second straight game due to his lingering shoulder issues.

“I’m just trying to get (the shoulders) stronger. But as of now, I’m not going to be playing tonight,” Bradley told reporters prior to the team’s morning shootaround in Philadelphia, according to ESPNBoston’s Chris Forsberg. ” It’s definitely frustrating, but all I can do is keep trying to get stronger, keep trying to improve for my team. That’s what I’m going to do.”

The second-year guard has dislocated his left should three times during the current playoff run, including twice against the 76ers. He did no participate in the shootaround Wednesday morning, but according to head coach Doc Rivers, would attempt to warm up for Game 6.

“I don’t think he’ll play tonight, but we’ll find out,” said Doc. “He won’t do anything in shootaround for sure, then we’ll do what we did the other night and let him warm up and see if he can warm up. Then we’ll go from there.”

It’s looking like Ray Allen will get his second straight start, after losing the job to Bradley during the regular season. Allen, who is dealing with a bad ankle himself, scored five points off 2-for-7 shooting in the C’s Game 5 win on Monday.